William H. Seward to Right Hon. Lord Lyons, July 13, 1864

Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, of the 11th instant, presenting the views of her Majesty’s government in regard to the conditions prescribed in the proclamation of the President of the United States of the 18th of February last, for the regulation of trade with the port of Brownsville, in Texas.

I have the honor to state, in reply, that it is considered that this government has a right to insist, in view of its military occupation and possession of the port of Brownsville, upon the regulations, and to enforce the blockade as to all the regions lying adjacent to that port, without the lines of military occupation.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient servant,